Material Hardship and Health Outcomes Among Unhoused Drug Users
Author Information
Author(s): Goldshear Jesse Lloyd, Ganesh Siddhi S., Borquez Annick, Gelberg Lillian, Corsi Karen F., Bluthenthal Ricky N.
Hypothesis
The degree of material hardship among people who use drugs experiencing homelessness is linked to worse health outcomes.
Conclusion
Distinct differences in resource access and material hardship among unhoused drug users are linked with various health outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- The study identified three classes of material difficulty: High Difficulty, Mixed Difficulty, and Low Difficulty.
- Participants in the High Difficulty class had significant challenges accessing basic resources.
- There were significant differences in experiences of displacement and health outcomes between the identified classes.
Takeaway
This study found that homeless people who use drugs face different levels of difficulty in getting basic needs, and this affects their health.
Methodology
Data were collected from a prospective cohort study and analyzed using latent class analysis to assess material hardship.
Participant Demographics
Participants were people who use drugs experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles and Denver.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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